Film Review: Super Troopers (2001)

(source: tmdb.org)

In the realm of 21st-century Hollywood, films that adhere to the Auteur Theory are a rarity, and even rarer are those where the collective authorship belongs to a comedy troupe. The 2001 film Super Troopers, directed by Jay Chandrasekhar, tands out as an exceptionally rare example of this phenomenon.

The collective authorship behind Super Troopers, is the comedy troupe known as Broken Lizard, to whom Chandrasekhar is a member, formed in 1989. Slowly building their reputation on the New York City club scene, they ventured into television appearances and eventually made their mark on the big screen with their 1996 feature debut, Puddle Cruiser. Super Troopers, considered their best-known work, showcases their unique brand of humour and style.

The film introduces five main characters portrayed by the members of Broken Lizard in the role of Vermont State Police in charge of 50 miles of road near Canadian border - Thorny (pladed by Chandrasekhar), Mac (played by Steve Lemme), Foster (played by Paul Soter), Rabbit (played by Erik Stolhanske), and Farva (Kevin Heffernan). The plot revolves around them involving in pranks and similar shenanigans at the expense of people who they meet on the road. Along the way they developed rivalry with local police department in the town of Spurbury, and that rivalry will intensify with the news about state planning to close their station and murder investigation that might be connected with cross-border marijuana smuggling ring.

Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, Super Trooper initially failed to impress critics but found success at the box office following its release by Fox Searchlight Pictures. Gradually, the film developed a cult following. The film's humor, characterised by its lowbrow and irreverent nature, focusing on drugs, sex, and bodily fluids, repelled the critics. While some viewed it as an extreme continuation of mainstream Hollywood comedy trends or akin to the Police Academy series, many among the audience found its humour refreshing and entertaining.

Super Troopers shines brightest in its introduction of the eccentric characters and their outrageous antics. However, as the film progresses, the jokes can become repetitive and tiresome. Despite this, viewers who appreciate this style of humor may still find enjoyment in the film.

The main cast of Broken Lizard is complemented by notable names like Brian Cox, who adds gravitas to the film in the role of protagonist’s fatherly boss, and Daniel Von Bargen, who plays a standard cardboard villain. Marisa Coughlan, in the role of eye candy and obligatory romantic interest, manages to bring good chemistry to the ensemble.

The success of Super Troopers paved the way for Broken Lizard to continue their filmmaking endeavors, culminating in the 2018 sequel, Super Troopers 2, which notably was one of the first Hollywood films produced through crowdfunding.

Super Troopers, to a certain extent, fits the mold of a cult film. While it offers entertainment and a unique brand of humor, it may not appeal to everyone due to its specific style and content.

RATING: 5/10 (++)